7 Must-visit wellness destinations in Korea

Endless deadlines, daily OT at work, poor diet, and lack of exercise are just some of the things that characterize the lifestyle of many young urban professionals today. I can speak from personal experience because I am part of that workforce.

There are days when these things just take a toll on you and the last thing you want to do is get out of bed. You lack focus and motivation, and the drive to get tasks done simply isn't there anymore.

Believe it or not, these may be signs of burnout and stress. I am no medical expert but I do know that it's best to listen to your body and take a break when you experience these signs.

I believe travelling is a good way to relieve yourself from stress. It shifts your focus away from what usually makes you anxious and gives you many things to look forward to. And what better place to visit than top wellness destinations where you can relax, unwind, and receive treatments that will rejuvenate not just your body but also your mind and spirt. This way, you can come back to 'reality' renewed and with a positive disposition.

Fortunately, I have a planned trip to Korea a few months from now, and I've heard of several must-visit wellness destinations recommended by Visit Medical Korea (VMK). I've researched on each of them and would like to share them with you here. Read on to find out what wellness destination in Korea suits your needs and style. :)

SEOUL

Cheongkwanjang SPA G (정관장 SPA G)

Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs

Photo Credit: Spa G & Visitkorea.or.kr; Photo editing by me :)

• If you've been through a lot of stress lately, then Spa Centers are one of the best places to relax and experience wellness rituals that revive the body, mind, and spirit. One of the most popular spa centers in Seoul is Cheongkwanjang Spa G, which is famous for using 6-year-old ginseng roots that went through strict quality management and thorough testing.
• Red Ginseng is a popular medicinal herb in Korea that's rich in vitamins and minerals, essential oils, amino acids, and enzymes. It is known to improve the body's vitality, enhance brain function, relieve stress, increase blood circulation, and boost the immune system.
• Launched by a high quality red ginseng (also known as 'hongsam') brand named Cheongkwanjang of the Korea Ginseng Corporation, Spa G has 4 individual hongsam therapy rooms:

1. Hongsam Spa Room: This is where guests can receive water massage to stimulate blood circulation 
2. Hunjeungyok: Guests who like steam treatments may go here and even have red ginseng concentrate applied in their body. These are great for detoxification and providing body nourishment. 
3. Foot Spa Zone: Want to relieve stress via a foot massage? Then this is the hongsam therapy room for you. 
4. Head Spa Zone: Relax your mind and give your crowning glory a boost with restorative scalp treatments using red ginseng products at this therapy room.

Photo Credit: Spa G & Visitkorea.or.kr

Photo Credit: Spa G & Visitkorea.or.kr

• Reservation is required for all spa programs. The length of each session vary from 1-6 hours, depending on the choice of treatment.
• Spa G offers single (KRW 110,000/PHP 4,400/USD 97) and package (KRW187,000/ PHP7,480/ USD165 and up) programs for the face, body, foot, and head. There's also a Spa G Signature package for the face and body (KRW 473,000/PHP18,920/USD416.25).

Address: 416, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 강남구 영동대로 416 (대치동,(주)케이티앤지 서울사무소)

Directions:
[Subway] Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 2.
Go straight 200m to arrive at the SPA G (Kosmo Tower, B2) on the left.

Contact no.: +82-2-557-8030 (Available languages: English, Japanese)

Operating Hours: 9:00am-11:00pm

Branches: Gangnam, and Myeongdong

Website: http://www.spag.co.kr/

Nearby tourist attractions: Prugio Valley, Park Club Spa, Korea Culture House (KOUS), Baekam Art Hall, S.J. Cho Korean Paper Art Gallery, Coex Mall

You can also visit HERE for more details.

Sulhwasoo Flagship Store

Type: Beauty Complex/ Spa/ Boutique/ Culture Lounge

Photo credit: Sulwhasoo.com; Photo editing by me :)

• Sulhwasoo is a premium beauty brand in Korea. In order to let their local and international customers experience the essence and journey of beauty in its deepest sense, they've built a beauty center, which became their flagship store, that has a spa, a boutique, a culture lounge, a gift wrapping center, and a roof deck.
• The store boasts of an exceptional architectural design by Neri & Hu Design & Research Office, and was inspired by the concept of a lantern.
• They offer 40-minute guided tours for visitors. Tour groups of more than 10 people should make a reservation at least a day before the visit.
• The store consists of the following:

          - B1F- Sulhwasoo Spa- This is a premium Korean Herbal Medicine Anti-Aging Spa which 

                    uses premium anti-aging skin care products, traditional methods, and special treatment 

                     tools like Jade, Amber, White Porcelain, and the JAUM balancing complex bowl. 

          - 1F- Heritage Room & Boutique- This is where guests can explore all of Sulwhasoo Flagship 

                   Store’s exclusive and new products, and seasonal offerings.

          - 2F- Gift Packaging Service & Boutique- Guests can test Sulwhasoo products and also get 

                  personalized consultations here. The exclusive gift wrapping service uses the Ji Ham Bo 

                  which means a box and cloth containing wisdom.

          - 3F- VIP & Culture Lounge- The VIP Lounge is an intimate space for premium Sulhwasoo 

                   Clients while the Culture Lounge is where guests can try various cultural and beauty 

                   classes.

Photo Credit: Sulwhasoo.com

        - 4F- Sulwhasoo Balance Spa- This is a contemporary Korean Herbal Medicine Balance Spa 

                 that uses traditional techniques in a treatment room filled with natural sunlight and relaxing                  music. There's also a Relaxation Lounger and a room overlooking Dosan Park.

Photo Credit: Sulwhasoo.com

          - 5F- Rooftop- Guests can also relax and enjoy the view at the outdoor lounge at the top of the 

                   building.
Address: Sulwhasoo Flagship Store 18, Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea

Contact no.: 02-541-9270
SPA RESERVATION
Sulwhasoo Spa(B1) 02-541-9272
Sulwhasoo Balance Spa(4F) 02-541-9273

Operating Hours:
BOUTIQUE AND SPA HOURS
Mon-Sun 10:00 - 21:00
(Closed every 2nd Monday, Chinese New Year’s Day, and Chuseok)

Website:  http://www.sulwhasoo.com/

Tea Therapy (티 테라피)

Type: Cafe/Tea Shop/Health Center

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization; Yoribai.com

• If you like unique cafes like me, then Tea Therapy might just be your 'cup of tea'. A fusion of a cafe, a clinic, and a school, it boasts of medicinal home-brewed teas and a relaxing foot bath that gives you a remarkable experience of Korea's tea culture.
• The owner is a certified Oriental medicine doctor who believes in making his craft more accessible to people via teas and diets. He uses traditional herbs in tea-making and focuses on ingredients and flavor as well as aroma in creating his healing brews.
• The cafe has been featured in KBS's "Muhanjidae Q" for its interior design and unique programs for visitors such as meditation, diet consultations, tea-making class, and rejuvenating foot bath experience.

Interior of Tea Therapy Samcheongdong Branch
Photo Credit: mysourlsearching.com 

• The foot bath, which is free for patrons and is done at an area outside the cafe, gives visitors a chance to choose among 3 basins and soak their feet in either hot or cold water. You can even add a medicinal mixture to your foot bath for KRW 5,000 (PHP 200/ USD 4.40).

Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

• The cafe offers all sort of tea blends from stamina boosting teas to hangover-curing blends. The most popular ones are the Weight Loss blend, which combines the zingy scent of dried tangerine peel with the toasty notes of buckwheat, and the Stress-Free blend, which imparts the refreshing scent of mint.
• Aside from tea selections, Tea Therapy also offers coffee, desserts, and brunch (KRW 7,000/ PHP 280/ USD 6.16 and up).

Address: Ago Building 1F, 616-6, Shinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-894, Korea 

                압구정 본점

Directions:

[Subway] Apgujeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.
Go 300m to arrive at the first corner, and turn left.
The cafe is located on the left.

Contact no.: +82-2-518-7506 (Available languages: Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Operating Hours: 10:00am- 11pm (Mon-Sat.) and 10:00am- 11:30pm (Sun.)

Branches: Shinsadong (Gangnam) and Angukdong (Samcheongdong)

Website: http://teatherapy.com/

Nearby tourist attractions: Hallyu K-Star Road, Apgujeong Rodeo Street, Amore Spa, Coreana Art & Culture Complex, Hill Spa

You can also visit HERE for more details.

Yakdabang Bomdong

Type: Tea house / Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic

Photo credit: Visit Medical Korea; @tourmatekorea; Timeout.com

• Yakdabang Bomdong is more than just your average tea house. Situated at the vibrant and hip neighborhood of Hongdae, it's a unique "traditional medicine salon" that has 2 areas: (1) Bomdong or a Tea room and (2) Saenggang or a Traditional Medicine Clinic at the basement.

• This tea salon is founded by 16 Oriental medicine doctors who wants to make traditional herbal medicines, which are perceived to be 'bitter and painful', more appealing to the masses and their palate through aromatic and healthy herbal teas.
• Patrons are allowed to choose their drink based on their current health condition or mood. They offer 6 basic medicinal teas or body medicinal teas to relieve physical pain or illness, and 48 customized tea blends to soothe the mental well-being and attract a positive state of mind. Free snacks are also served along with the teas. 
• Price range: KRW 8,700 (PHP 348 /USD 7.66) to KRW 14,800 (PHP 592/USD 13.02)
• Guests can get consultations and tea prescriptions from the on-site qualified and professional traditional medicine doctors while having their tea. They will be asked to fill out a 16-item questionnaire, and also indicate their birth dates because each individual's physical and mental well being are unique, depending on when they were born.
• Popular teas in the salon are as follows:

1. Immunity Tea- for people experiencing skin troubles; This tea blend enhances natural immunity and firmness of the skin 
2. Detoxification Tea- for people who are constantly stressed; This tea blend lightens up the body by discharging toxins 
3. Rejuvenation Tea- for people who are gaining weight and feeling sluggish; This tea blend has an anti-aging effect that restores youthful energy.

•  Aside from tea, Yakdabang Bomdong offers over 20 medicinal liquors, which are served in teir bar during the evening. The alcohol in these liquors help deliver the active properties of medicinal ingredients deeply into various body parts that normal brewed teas fail to reach. 

• Another popular service of this tea salon is the foot bath (KRW 10,000/ PHP 400 /USD 8.80). Since the state of our feet can reveal a number of health issues, a good foot bath can be very relaxing and have healing effects. In Yakdabang Bomdong, patrons can choose or have onsite doctors prescribe the herbs that will be infused in their bath water, and they can also choose between a steam or just hot water for their 20-minute foot bath.

Photocredit: @tourmatekorea

• Reservations are needed if you want to consult a doctor at Saenggang.

Address: 12-13, World Cup buk-ro 6-gil Mapo-gu, Seoul 03992

Directions:
[Subway] Hongik University(Line 2, Airport railroad ),exit 1.
Exit Gate 1, Hongik University Station (Metro Line 2). Turn right at the Hongik University Intersection. Cross the first crossroad and walk straight on. Turn right at the alley marked by the convenience store “Ministop”. Turn left at the building right next to Hanmi Pharmacy on the first three-way junction you encounter.

Contact no.: 070-4639-2221

Operating Hours: 11:00am-11:00pm

You can visit HERE for more details.

Cheongna Sparex

Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs

• I've always wanted to try a Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna), having seen them often in the Korean dramas that I really love watching. If you want to experience the typical Korean Jjimjilbang, then Sparex is the place to go. 
• People can stay here overnight or up to 24 hours. Hence, travellers on a budget would sometimes use it as cheap lodging or at least a place to spend the night.
• Upon check-in, guests are given locker keys, a shirt, a pair of shorts and 2 towels. Shoes aren't allowed inside the spa so you'll have to walk around barefoot.
• Sparex facilities include a locker area, various bathing rooms, hot and cold saunas, pools infused with herbal blends, a lounge area, a gym, an internet cafe, a food court and a sleeping area. Although people usually sleep just about anywhere they want in a Jjimjilbang.

Photo credit: jorninseoul.blogspot.com

• The lounge area, where people can nap, watch TV, or just relax while eating , is designed like a traditional Korean village.
• If it's you're first time in a Korean spa, be prepared and don't get too shocked to see everyone stark naked at the bathing area. 
• Entrance Fee: KRW 10,000 (PHP 400 /USD 8.80)

Address: Good Morning City Shopping Mall, 247, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul,

Directions:
[Subway] Go to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (Line 2 or 4 or 5)
Go out at exit no. 14 and look for Good Morning City Building. Enter the building and go downstairs to B3 floor where you will see the entrance to Sparex.

Operating Hours: 24 hours

Nearby tourist attraction: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

BUSAN

Cimer Ocean Spa, Paradise Hotel Busan

Type: Hot Springs/ Spas

Photo credit: busanparadisehotel.co.kr; everydaykorean.com; Photo editing by me :)

• Get a fantastic view of Busan's Haeundae Beach while relaxing at an open-air hot spring at Paradise Hotel Busan's Cimer Ocean Spa. This spa facility has a serene ambience brought about by the perfect combination of a hot bath, calming waves, and the gorgeous view of the sea and sky seamlessly merging into the horizon.

Photo credit: Everydaykorean.com

• The spa floor is designed to be a little higher than the existing spas so guests can enjoy the horizon view of Haeundae. 
• Cimer can be found at the hotel's 4th floor (main building) and is the best place for guests to enjoy the seaside view while pampering themselves at the spa.

Photo credit: everydaykorean.com

• The spa has several pools/'baths' that will help relax and rejuvenate your body (e.g. Red Ginseng Bath, Cinnamon Bath, etc.)
• The spa also has an Aqua Bar, where guests can order and, enjoy drinks and food without leaving the pool (a bar in the pool).
• Cimer Ocean Spa is open for the hotel's staying guests only, and additional fees are required to be able to use the facility. The guests can however invite friends and family to join them at the spa for higher admission fees. 

Photo credit: everydaykorea.com

• Fees are at KRW 16,500 for adults (PHP 660 /USD 14.52) and KRW 8,250 for children (PHP 330 /USD 7.26). For invited guests not staying at the hotel, admission fee is KRW 33,000 (PHP 1320/ USD 29.04). This may be increased during peak seasons. 

Address: 1408-5, Jung-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Contact no.: +82-51-742-2121

Operating Hours: 8:00am-10:00pm

Website: https://www.busanparadisehotel.co.kr/spa

Centum Spa Land

Type: Hot Springs/ Bath Houses/Spas/ Jjimjilbangs

Photo credit: cnn.com; Photo editing by me :)

• Centum Spa Land is one big and luxurious Jjimjilbang at Shinsegae Centum City Department Store, which is the Guinness World Record holder as the largest shopping complex in the world.
• Spa Land has 22 spas fed by two different kinds of all-natural spring water pumped up from 1000m underground, 13 distinctively themed 'Jjimjil-bangs' and saunas, and an open-air foot spa, with a maximum occupancy of 1,500 people. The water is sterilized 36 times a day.

Photos by cnn.com

• The spa has several restrictions:

1. Children under 13 aren't allowed inside and minors (18 and below) must be supervised by a guardian (of common gender) after 10pm 
2. People who are drunk, have tattoos, have skin and/or infectious diseases aren't allowed inside the spa. 
3. A guest can only stay at the spa for a maximum of 4 hours. KRW 3,000 (PHP 120/ USD 2.64) will be charged per hour if you exceed 4 hours. 
4. You can leave your valuables in the storage box. No need to bring money inside the spa as everything will be charged to your key. You can just pay everything when you go out.

• The 1st floor houses all the 'Jjimjil-bangs' and traditional saunas from all over the world, which have varying temperatures ranging from extremely hot to extremely cold. Some are as follows: 

1. Salt Room (50.5°C)- Using the world-famous rough salt stones from the Himalayas, this facility is said to have a cleansing effect to the skin, promotes blood circulation and increases immunity. 
2. SEV Room (37.9°C)- This facility uses SEV technology which compounds natural ore and metal to generate electrons that help rejuvenate the body by activating cell function and promoting metabolism. 
3. Ice Room (13.7 °C)- It is ideal to enter this room after going through the hot saunas. The reduction of the body heat helps detoxify the skin and promote blood circulation.

Salt Room

SEV Room
Photos by cnn.com

• You can find the PC room, restaurant, conference room, and entertainment zone which provides various beautification programs, at the 2nd floor.

Photo by cnn.com

• There's also a snack bar that serves bingsu and other vinegar drinks that are said to be good to the skin. Patrons are allowed to eat all around the spa.
• If you're too lazy to scrub, you can submit yourself to the capable hands of a professional scrubber ‘ddemiri’ (scrub mistresses). They are trained to give Korean bath house exfoliating treatment called seshin (a.k.a "cleaner than clean" scrubbing).
• Admission Fees: 

          - Adults- Weekdays: KRW 15,000 (PHP 600/ USD 13.20);
                         Weekends & National Holidays: KRW 18,000 (PHP 720/USD 15.84)

          - Students- Weekdays: KRW 12,000 (PHP 480/USD 10.56);
                         Weekends & National Holidays: KRW 15,000 (PHP 600/ USD 13.20)           

          - Early-visit ticket & Nighttime ticket- 

            Weekdays: KRW 10,000 (PHP 400 /USD 8.80);
            Weekends & National Holidays: KRW 13,000 (PHP 520/ USD 11.44)

          *Guests who spend KRW 10,000 (PHP 400 /USD 8.80) or more inside Spa Land (excluding

           admission fee) may stay up to 6 hours

Address: 35, Centumnam-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea
부산광역시 해운대구 센텀남대로 35 (우동)

Directions:
[Subway] Centum City Station (Busan Subway Line 2).
The subway station is directly connected to the complex.

[Bus] From Gimhae Airport, take the Airport Limousine Bus for Centum City.
Get off at the Shinsegae Centum City. It takes about 50 minutes.

* Bus: 5-1, 36, 39, 40, 63, 115, 139, 141, 155, 181, 307 (seated bus), 1001 (rapid bus), 1002 (rapid bus)

Contact no.: (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-51-745-2900

Operating Hours: 6:00am- 12:00am (closed once a month)

Website: www.shinsegae.com

Nearby Tourist attractions: Shinsegae Centum City, Busan Museum of Art, Busan Cinema Center, etc.

You can also visit HERE for more details. Thank you also to 2worldwanderers.com and cnn.com.

~~~

Have you chosen your wellness destination of choice?

Currently, Visit Medical Korea is running a poll on all 7 destinations. You can visit their event page and vote for your favorite. You might even win free plane tickets to Korea or hotel accommodations. Just go to the event page HERE for more details.

As for me, my choice would be Centum Spa Land in Busan. As I've mentioned, one of my Korea bucket list is to try the Jjimjilbang and Spa Land is one giant and luxurious Jjimjilbang at the largest shopping complex in the world! I was so curious and really want to try their spas and themed saunas.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed reading. Thank you for visiting my blog and please let me know if you now of other must-visit wellness destinations in Korea :)

~~~

Interested about Korean Tourism? Check out the Korea Tourism Organization Official Website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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Korea: A must-visit destination for coffee lovers

Don’t you just love to sit back and relax while drinking a cup of coffee in a nice, ambient cafe? You can read a good book or two, chat with friends, or even listen to good music while savoring that cup of Americano or Caramel Latte. If you’re like me who can’t get by a day without drinking coffee, then you may want to experience Korea’s infamous coffee culture.

Compared to tea, coffee can be considered a newcomer in the Korean market. Based on historical data, tea has been in Korea since as early as year 661, while Emperor Gojong only introduced coffee in 1896. But unlike many Asian countries where tea is the preferred drink, Koreans are generally coffee lovers. They love it so much that in a recent study (2013), it was said that Koreans consume coffee at an average of 12.2 times per week, which is more than their average consumption of their national dish, Kimchi. 

Coffee consumption has also become a status symbol among Koreans. From being a representation of western culture, which was first consumed by the wealthy and elite, to being a trend or a kind of ‘social glue’ that brings people together, Korea’s coffee culture has indeed evolved rapidly over the years, and there’s no stopping the industry’s growth just yet.

In a 2015 study, it was revealed that Seoul hotels were said to have the world’s most expensive coffee with an average price of KRW 10,000, and Starbucks is said to be the most expensive in Seoul than in any other city in the world at around 4-5 dollars at minimum. But despite the surge in coffee prices, Koreans continue to consume coffee.

Seoul hotels have the most expensive coffee in the world- Hotels.com 2015 Club Sandwich Index

Considered as the third biggest coffee drinker in Asia, Korea is home to around 49,600 cafes as of 2015, 17,000 of which can be found in Seoul. No wonder café-hopping, a term that means to patronize a number of different cafes on a single outing, is becoming a popular activity there. Cafe streets, areas that are lined with coffee shops, have also started to emerge and are becoming more popular in recent years.

I’ve had my own share of café-hopping in Seoul, and I’d have to say the experience is nothing short of amazing. There are about 2-5 cafes in every street, so at times you can literally hop on the coffee shop next door. My most favorite places to satiate my caffeine addiction are Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae and Samcheongdong, and I’ve identified at least 4 types of cafes there according to ownership and style:

(1) Mainstream
(2) Themed
(3) Traditional/Hanok
(4) Celebrity-owned

~~~

Mainstream Cafes

Mainstream Cafes are popular coffee shop chains that have branches all over the world. A good example for this is Starbucks, which has record-breaking achievements in Korea. Currently, Seoul holds the record as the city with the most number of Starbucks branches in the world and Korea is also ranked as the 3rd country with the most number of licensed Starbucks stores at 952 in total as of 3rd quarter of 2016.

Other big players that you can find all over Korea are Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Seattle’s Best Coffee, and Gloria Jean’s, among others.

There are also popular homegrown cafes like Angel-in-us Coffee, Caffe Bene, and Tom N Toms.

If you’re a Hallyu fan, you’ll probably have an idea about how huge the mainstream coffee industry is in Korea. Cafes are a popular meet-up or dating place in Kdramas, and are sometimes also used as filming locations for Kpop music videos. The popularity of some coffee shops is even attributed to their exposure in entertainment shows.

Caffe Bene. Remember the famous foam kiss of Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin) and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won) in Secret Garden episode 10? It was filmed at Caffe Bene in Seongbuk-gu.☕

Address: 120-2 Dongseo-dong 1(IL)-Ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Dal Komm Coffee. Some of the best scenes of Descendant of the Sun were filmed at Dal Komm Coffee. In fact, the drama featured 3 Dal Komm coffee branches located in Songdo, Bundang, and Yangjae. The scenes above from DOTS episode 13 (double date and fist bump scene) were shot at the Songdo branch.☕

Address: 23-5 Songdo 2(i)-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea

Themed Cafes

If you like drinking coffee with style, then themed cafes might suit your taste. These are coffee shops where everything; be it food, architecture, music, etc., revolves around a central concept, which can pretty much be anything under the sun. This is also the reason why each café offers something unique--because the owner’s creativity, individual taste and passion for coffee are infused in it.

Pet lover? Bookworm? Movie addict? I’m pretty sure there’s a themed café that will appeal to your fancy. The cafes feature a wide variety of subjects- from animals/pets, art, fashion, fruits, food, cartoon characters, foreign countries, and even movies.

I’ve seen quite a few themed cafes when I was in Korea. To name a few, I’ve seen a yarn store with a coffee shop, a café with a full banana concept, a vintage-themed café, and a café with a Lego theme. There’s even a Hello Kitty themed café complete with all the pink stuff!

Hello Kitty Café. This café is one of my favorites! 

I love how girly and cute it is and how great of a hang out place it can be.☕

Address: 364-14, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea

You can check out my review of Hello Kitty Cafe HERE.

Slow Park. This small café-cum-bistro in the quaint and serene neighborhood of Samcheongdong offers a unique setting that combines elegance and warmth, as well as modernity and tradition. This place is becoming a popular venue for magazine shoots and TV interviews with celebrities.☕

Address: 15-2, Samcheon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
You can check out my review of Slow Park HERE.

Traditional/ Hanok-style Cafes

The earliest coffee shops in Korea were called dabang (다방). Nowadays, there are only a few traditional dabangs left in Seoul, but probably a good alternative to this is a Hanok (한옥) Café.

The Hanok is the traditional Korean home, which is known for its beautiful architecture. They are usually characterized by wooden pillars and floors (daecheong maru대청마루 ), clay walls and roofs, and Hanji, a traditional Korean paper which can be found pasted on flat surfaces like doors and windows for their insulating capacity and transparency.

A number of Hanoks were renovated and turned into cafes around Insa-dong and Bukchon Hanok Village. These shops are perfect for those who want a unique Korean coffee experience. They even offer traditional teas, snacks, and Korean rice cakes and desserts such as Bingsu, to complement the ambience. Some also offer alcoholic beverages such as beer and cocktails.

Luden Loquen Space (Café LN). A nice Hanok style café with an elegant traditional ambience in Bukchon that boasts of its Korean Black Raspberry Latte and Glutinous Rice Cake Waffle. ☕

Address: 5, Bukchon-ro 5na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Photo credit: visitkorea.or.kr; kimcheeguesthouse.com

Celebrity Owned Cafes

For Kpop fans and Kdrama lovers, there are also all sorts of celebrity-owned cafes, which reflect the personality of the owners, and often times feature their most prized collections.

Aside from coffee and pastries, most celebrity-owned cafes also sell idol-inspired merchandise like mugs, tumblers, shirts, and even signed posters and albums, which serve as popular souvenirs for fans.

At times, they also have a fan mailbox, where you can leave messages of support to your idol.

Celebrity-owned cafes are a popular hangout place for fangirls as they’re the perfect place to meet and become friends with other fans, as well as get a glimpse of their favorite Korean idols in person. If you’re particularly lucky, you may even catch them hanging out with some of their idol friends. Just make sure to not be too overexcited and not invade their privacy. Picture taking is sometimes not allowed so be sure to ask permission first. If your idol is in a good mood, who knows he/she might even agree to a selfie!^^

Wiki Café. This cute café in Samcheongdong is owned by Super Junior member Lee Sungmin. Being a huge Super Junior fan, I was really ecstatic to visit this café. I was even lucky to have a selfie with Sungmin’s younger brother, Lee Sungjin!☕

Address: 51 Sagan-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
You can check out my review of Wiki Cafe HERE.

Café J Holic. JYJ member, Kim Jae Joong, owns this café. The minimalist feel and modern ambience reflects Jaejoong’s sophisticated style.☕

Address: 3rd & 4th Floor, 8 Myeongdong 6gil, Chung-gu, Seoul or 54-6 Myeongdong 2-ga,
Chung-gu, Seoul

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13 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Korea (and why I DEFINITELY want to go back)

I was 12 when I told myself that there’s no such thing as love at first sight, but I was wrong, because in 2003, I fell in-love at first sight in Korea.

Prior to my visit, my only dream then was to visit Korea to satisfy my addiction for Kdrama and Kpop—buy Kpop merchandise & Korean cosmetics, watch a Kpop concert, and visit filming locations. But after seeing my dream face to face, and realizing that reality was so much better than what I dreamt of, I fell in-love and found a new dream. I want to see and discover more of Korea. I want to share my experience to other people too, especially those who’ve been curious about the country, wondering whether it’s worth the visit or not. 

If you haven’t visited Korea yet, here are 13 reasons why I think you should (and why I DEFINITELY want to go back):

1. Eco-tourism 

– If you’re like me who loves the calming effect of nature, likes to see and take pictures of breathtaking landscapes, or just to do a little walking, trekking, or hiking here and there, then Korea is the place to be. You can visit nature reserves/national parks, arboretums, botanical gardens, eco-trails and other eco-tourism sites. I’m particularly interested in visiting DMZ, the most dangerous nature reserve in the world, which remains practically untouched since 1953, and also look forward to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site and volcanic island of Jeju.

What’s on my bucketlist (Places I want to visit)?: 

Jeju Island (Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak & Mt. Halla), Seoul Forest, Bukhansan National Park, Seoraksan National Park, Suncheon Bay, Boseong Tea Fields, Jirisan National Park, Garden of the Morning Calm

Seoraksan National Park. Photo Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

2. Hallyu a.k.a Korean Cultural Wave

- Since the 1990s, the popularity of Korean Culture & Entertainment have grown immensely, and this has been greatly attributed to Kdrama (Korean Drama), and Kpop (Korean Pop) Music. Despite the language difference, people all over the world have come to idolize Korean artists. The likes of Super Junior, Bigbang, Girls Generation, Psy, Lee Min Ho, Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, and Jun Ji Hyun, among others, have all become household names, capturing the hearts of fans from different parts of the world. 

There’s just something unique, and intangible about Kpop and Kdrama that draws people to it. The charming visuals, unique concepts and storylines, or the breathtaking filming sites perhaps? Watch a Kdrama and you would most certainly want to watch them again and again. Listen to a Kpop song, and pretty soon, you’ll be trying to memorize lyrics you may not even know the meaning of. And of course, at the bottom of it all, you’d want to visit Korea so badly to see your favorite idols in the flesh, watch them perform live in a concert and visit all those filming locations of your favorite dramas. Isn’t the power of culture amazing? 

What’s on my bucketlist?: 

Visit the filming sites of my favorite Kdramas--Descendants of the Sun, Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo and Moonlight Drawn by Clouds; Watch a Korean Music Show live; Watch another Kpop concert!^^

Cheonjuho Lake at Pocheon Art Valley, a filming location of Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo

3. Korean Food (Hansik)-

I found Korean cuisine as one of the best I’ve tasted in the world. Before, I had the impression that most Korean dishes are spicy, but when I finally tried them, I found them really flavourful, appealing, healthy and really delicious. There's so much more to it than what meets the eye (or the palate for that matter), because even in their cuisine, Koreans apply the philosophy of balance in terms of colors and ingredients. I also love how each meal in Korea has a lot of banchan (side dishes), which makes the meal more appetizing. 

From street food to local specialties and even desserts, Korean food is really irresistible, so be prepared to get a few extra pounds and stray from your diet when you visit Korea.

What’s on my bucketlist (Food I want to try again): 

Ramyun, Gimbap, Dakgalbi, Bingsu, Bulgogi, Korean Beef Stew, Bibimbap, Jajangmyeon, Tangsuyuk, Japchae, ChiMaek, Bibimyeon, Tteokbokki, Hotteok, Kimchi, Sundubu Jiggae, Samgyeopsal, Bossam, Samgyetang, Haemul Pajeon (this list is making me hungry!)

My favorite dessert, Korean Bingsu!

Bibimbap :)

One of my favorites, Chuncheon Dakgalbi! ^^

4. Tourist Spots

- Boring is a word that doesn’t exist in Korea. There’s just so much to see and do! You can visit Korean Palaces, take a stroll in a traditional village, meditate in a temple, or have an exciting day at a theme park. 

I find Korea also very safe and tourist friendly with lots of tourism centers, downloadable travel apps, and incentives and freebies being offered specifically to foreign visitors. In Seoul, there’s even a helpline specifically set up for tourists.

What’s on my bucketlist?: 

Visit all 100 must-visit sites (HERE), some that I really want to visit are Jongmyo Shrine, Blue House, Moonlight tours at Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Petite France, Nami Island, Everland, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

My photo with the palace guard at Deoksugung Palace

One of our photos at the Trickeye Museum. It's a fun place to hang out :)

5. Weather & Climate

Korea has moderate weather conditions with four seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter). My favorite time to visit is Autumn. I love the cool weather during this time of the year. I remember that it all felt so magical and surreal when I first saw all that color, and natural vibrance. It was like going inside a painting with warm hues of red, orange, and yellow, everywhere. 

What’s on my bucketlist: 

I also look forward to seeing cherry blossoms during Spring, and experiencing snow, skiing and having a White Christmas for the first time, during winter in Korea!

My favorite picture of autumn taken at Gyeongbokgung Palace :)

6. Art 

- Hanbok, the colorful traditional Korean clothing, reflects the unique and expressive artistic sense of Koreans. No wonder the Korean art industry has sparked the interest and gained the admiration of many people all over the world. You can see how artistic Koreans are through their fashion, their architecture, theatrical performances, and everyday lives. 

My favorite example for this would be Korean street art. I like how they use art to transform less attractive areas in the community. Try walking around Seoul, and you’ll see attractive murals and amusing structures everywhere.

What’s on my bucketlist: 

Mullae Village; Apgujeong Graffiti Tunnel; Songwol-dong Fairytale Village in Incheon; Heyri Art Valley; Ewha Women’s University; Dongdaemun Design Plaza; I also want to watch non-verbal shows like Nanta and Fanta-Stick

LED Roses at Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Photo credit: VisitSeoul.net

7. People

- Koreans are one of the friendliest people I know. They’re warm, genuinely nice, thoughtful and always respectful, especially to elders. It’s really easy to get along with them, even with the language barrier. One of my fears in visiting Korea before was that nobody would be able to understand me, especially if I'm lost and asking for directions. But I was proven wrong because I've encountered several instances where they would go out of their way to help a total stranger like me.  

What's on my bucketlist:

Meet up with my Korean friends in Seoul; meet any of my favorite Korean artists in person :)

8. Technology

- South Korea is definitely at the forefront of technological advancements as it is hailed as one of the most wired countries in the world, with the fastest broadband internet that has an average connection speed of 25.3 / 26.7megabits (mbps) per second, and fastest mobile internet speed at an average connection speed of 18.2 mbps. I definitely took advantage of this during my previous visits, as I can upload hundreds of photos in my social media accounts in a matter of minutes via Seoul’s free 5G public wi-fi. There’s also no need to worry about connection, especially in Seoul, because there’s free public wifi access everywhere.

What's on my bucketlist:

Try the free mobile phone rental for tourists

9. Cosmetics

- Don’t we all envy flawless and healthy looking Korean Skin? I’m a huge fan of Korean Cosmetics as I find them really good for skin care. Since Korean make-up is more expensive in my country, I usually shop in bulk for a few months’ supply when I’m in Korea. My favorite place to shop is in Myeongdong because they usually give a lot of freebies along with my purchase.

What’s on my bucketlist?: 

Cosmetic shopping spree at my favorite stores--The Face Shop, Etude House, Tony Moly, Innisfree, Nature Republic

Some of my favorite items from Etude House ^^

10. Festivals

- Just like my country, Korea is home to many exciting festivals, some of which really sparked my interest... Ever heard of a Chicken & Beer Festival? How about a Mud, or a Water Gun Festival? If you’d like to try them, better take note of their dates to avoid missing them out. 

What’s on my bucketlist?:

Daegu Chimaek Festival, Boryeong Mud Festival, Seoul Lantern Festival, Andong Mask Dance Festival, Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival, Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Boseong Green Tea Festival, Sinchon Water Gun Festival, Goyang Flower Festival

Some photos I took from the Seoul Lantern Festival:

People were making DIY lanterns and writing their wishes on them.

The lanterns were then set afloat along the Cheonggyecheon stream

11. Transportation

- I find travelling in Korea really convenient as you have a wide variety of options (from trains, buses, ferries, cabs, etc.) to choose from. Their transportation system is really efficient, so driving your own car may not be advisable (plus parking can be expensive). You can go anywhere within minutes just by train, which is cheap, fast, and reliable. 

Because of my tight itinerary, I once had to visit a celebrity owned café prior to watching a concert. At first, I thought I would be late because it was rush hour but I made it just in time, all thanks to the super fast and convenient Seoul Subway :)

Also, if you’re a foreigner visiting Korea, and don’t know your way around, fret not because there are a variety of apps that you can use to navigate around.

What’s on my bucketlist? 

Ride the KTX train going to Busan (haha, and yes, it's because of the movie 'Train to Busan'); Try the Han River Cruise; Try the Seoul Bus Tours

My friends and I enjoying our train ride at the ITX (Intercity Train eXpress)- Cheongchun High Speed Train

12. Coffee Culture

- I’m a self-confessed coffee addict, and Korea has tons of really nice cafes. From themed cafes, to Hanok-style cafes, and my favorite, celebrity owned cafes, you’ll definitely be in for a treat and have a hard time deciding which to visit first. In Seoul alone, you can find some 50,000 coffee shops. Now, that’s a lot of café-hopping in my itinerary.

What’s on my bucket list?: 

Kim Jaejoong’s J-holic Café in Myeongdong; Forresta Book Café; Café Healing 616 in Gangnam; Super Junior Kyuhyun's Mom House & Cafe; Hello Kitty Cafe in Jeju; Dal.komm Coffee in Songdo, Yangjae, and Bundang (because of Descendants of the Sun)

Slow Park in Samcheongdong

Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae

13. Medical Tourism- 

Korea is becoming a popular place to get essential health treatments. Personally, I like Korea Medical Tourism’s philosophy of taking care of their patients inside and out, improving their over-all health and well-being, and even considering their cultural differences in terms of religion and nationality. With that kind of philosophy, along with world class medical procedures, and top caliber doctors, I believe visiting Korea for medical reasons is worth it. Their costs are also relatively lower, especially as compared to western countries. (For more details on medical tourism in Korea, you can check out the Visit Medical Korea website HERE)

What’s on my bucket list?: 

Templestay; Traditional Korean Medicine Detox Steam; skin care treatments that will help keep my skin looking young and healthy (I think these are very appropriate for people like me who experience constant stress)

Photo credit: http://eng.templestay.com/

I hope my list convinced you to push through with your very own #VisitKorea trip! ^^

Through all these things (and MORE!), I found love in Korea--- love from all the new friends I’ve met, love for photography and travel, love for culture, love for adventures, love in pursuing the things that matter to me, love for living and appreciating life more.

My love affair with Korea opened many doors that I never imagined would be there. I’ve met a lot of new friends not only from my country but also from other parts of the world. I gained a lot of wonderful experiences that would always be a source of inspiration and strength. And for all that, Korea will forever be dear to my heart. I may visit other countries, but it will always be my second home, a place that I would always want to go back to. :)

~~~

This article is my entry for Global Wow Korea. I want to be part of it because it’s another opportunity for me to discover more about the beautiful country that opened so many doors for me. 

In my own little way, I want to give back by helping promote Korea and sharing my experiences to the world, so that others may also be encouraged to explore it.

If you want to know more about Global Wow Korea, you can check out the post below or visit their website HERE.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy reading my post!

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